Washington Business Summer 2019 | Washington Business | Page 34

business backgrounder | transportation Private Dollars, New Airport The new Paine Field Passenger Terminal is winning rave reviews for its customer service and amenities. Andrew Lenderman The $40 million Paine Field Passenger Terminal opened in March, and handles 24 flights a day to nine Western U.S. locations. It’s one of the most proactive investments in transportation infrastructure in decades, not just in Washington, but throughout the country. And it’s a great example of what can be built when private dollars and public partnership work to accomplish ambitious projects that benefit the entire region. At A Glance Propeller Airports identifies untapped potential for commercial air travel by working with local communities and governments to maximize airport assets. The new airport is already helping to address Washington’s estimated $222 billion in infrastructure needs. The company recoups its investment by offering quality services and amenities to passengers and partners. “This was much needed. It should have opened a long time ago. If you look at this from a regional perspective, this is critical.” – Brett Smith, CEO, Propeller Airports www.flypainefield.com www.portseattle.org/page/airport-statistics www.alaskaair.com www.united.com 34 association of washington business PAINE FIELD — Going to the new airport in Everett was almost too easy. I rolled up to a parking lot on a windy spring day and stopped to get a ticket. The gate opened, and I parked about 50 yards away. I checked my pockets and hopped out to stretch. The sun was shining on a brand-new building with really tall windows. It looked like a new museum, or a small hotel maybe. Then I walked across the street and through the doors into a fantastic surprise. The newly built Paine Field Passenger Terminal is a spectacular space. It’s about the size of a small gymnasium, with floor to ceiling windows on one wall, and a massive Solari flight display board on another. The panels on the board flip over when information changes.